Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a health monitoring-enabled seating assistive device for bicycles that is capable of monitoring the health issues of a user while providing comfortable seating saddle to allow the user to ride comfortably on the bicycle, therefore enhances the user’s overall experience.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Bicycles are popular mode of transportation and recreation due to their efficiency, sustainability, and health benefits. People ride bicycles for various reasons, includes cardiovascular exercise to improve physical fitness, strengthen muscles and boost overall health. Bicycles reduces reliance on motor vehicles and decreasing carbon emissions. Many people ride bicycles for enjoyment and adventure. But the seats of the bicycles for user’s accommodation are designed comfortable according to the height of the user. A well-adjusted seat enhances the riding experience by reducing muscle and joint strain, ultimately minimizing pain and discomfort during and after rides.

[0003] Conventionally, many devices and methods that involves the use of fitness trackers like smartwatches or fitness bands that monitors various metrics including heart rate, calories burned, and activity level. The riders manually check their pulse to monitor heart rate during rides and some subjective measures such as perceived exertion to gauge their fitness levels and adjust their riding intensity. The seat cushions or pads provides additional comfort which is adjusted or replaced as needed. The rider adjusts the height of the seat manually and angle tools to find comfortable position. These methods are less precise and less convenient and also involves errors to achieve the best fit.

[0004] US3844611A discloses a saddle for cycles including a saddle base, support structure attached to the base for supporting the base from a cycle, a cover disposed over the base, and a resilient pad preferably having a first upper portion of relatively low density and having a second lower portion of relatively high density, both portions interposed between the base and the cover. The crown of the base includes a pair of rearwardly disposed concavities which are suitably placed therein to correspond to the location of the ischial bone structure of a rider seated on the saddle. The crown of the base also includes a forwardly disposed concavity which is suitably placed thereon to correspond to the location of the genitals of a rider seated on the saddle. The cover preferably does not normally conform to these concavities, hence when the saddle is not influenced by the weight of a rider, the distracting appearance of the concavities of the base is not apparent. The crown of the base preferably tapers downwardly from the forwardmost and rearwardmost ends thereof towards the intermediate portion with the pad and cover conforming the downwardly tapered crown. . Though, US’611 discloses about a method that provides seat to the user riding the bicycle. However, the cited invention lacks in providing comfortable seat and efficient experience and health is not monitored. Also, the device is unable to provide power to the device by utilizing the solar panel charged from the sunlight.

[0005] US5873626A discloses an invention, a seat comprises a frame to be sat on by a user, which frame includes two side portions for supporting the ischial tuberosities and for substantially avoiding the application of pressure to the perineal body and the other perineal structures of the user. Each of the side portions includes a hollow loop portion for reducing the weight of the frame and for displacing the pressure onto a multiplicity of different support points. The frame further includes a portion, at the rear of the seat, connecting the side portions. Though, US’626 discloses about a method that provides seat to the user riding the bicycle. However, the cited invention lacks in providing comfortable seat and efficient experience and the health is not monitored. Also, the device is unable to provide power to the device by utilizing the solar panel charged from the sunlight.

[0006] Conventionally, there exist many devices in the market that provides user with comfortable and efficient seat to ride the bicycle. However, the existing devices are typically designed for only providing the seat for the users to ride the bicycle and is unable to provide comfortable experience like softened platform on which the user get accommodated. The devices are also unable to detect the health of the user, and recommending the user for maintaining the health by taking rest for particular time in between the riding duration.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of providing comfort to the user. Also, the device is capable of providing health recommendations by detecting the health issues and fatigue of the user. The device is capable of utilizing the sunlight during the bicycle riding, and get the device powered up automatically.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing comfortable seating saddle to the user and managing the height of the saddle, enhances the experience of a user while riding the bicycle.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of monitoring the health issues and provides the health recommendations to the user, preventing the user from any muscles, bones pain and health issues.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting the sunlight directions to be absorbed by the solar panel, thus provides efficient and continuous power supply to the device’s components.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting the surrounding’s temperature and maintaining an optimal temperature, enhances the user’s comfort and prevents from heatstroke.

[0013] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention relates to a health monitoring-enabled seating assistive device for bicycles that provides comfortable experience to a user for riding the bicycle while providing softened seating saddle along with monitoring health of the user.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a health monitoring-enabled seating assistive device for bicycles comprises of a frame attached with a motorized clamp positioned on a saddle tube of a bicycle, an ultrasonic sensor is embedded in the clamp for determining dimensions of the saddle tube, a microcontroller linked with the ultrasonic sensor processes the dimensions for actuating the clamp to grab the tube to secure the frame on the bicycle firmly, a proximity sensor embedded in the frame for detecting presence of a user in proximity to the bicycle accessing the bicycle, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit integrated in the frame and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the frame to determine height of the user based on which the microcontroller actuates a hydraulically operated rod arranged in between the clamp and frame to extend/retract for maintaining an optimum height of the frame, a pair of curved plates configured with a cushioned member arranged on the frame for enabling the user to get accommodated on the cushioned members in view of allowing the user to ride the bicycle, an electromagnetic spring is integrated in between each the members and plates for absorbing any shocks experienced by the frame thus preventing any fatigue to the user and a sliding unit installed in between the spring and plate that translates the plates that is pivot up and down as per the user’s leg movements for distributing pressure evenly across the user’s hip bones for enhanced comfort.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of an FBG (Fiber Bragg Grating) sensor is embedded in the member for detecting health issues and user fatigue based on which the microcontroller actuates a speaker installed on the frame for producing audio signals to provide health recommendations to the user regarding rest breaks along with this microcontroller directs the rod to adjusts seat height in real-time based on detected user fatigue thereby providing enhanced experience to the user, a temperature sensor embedded in the frame for detecting surroundings’ temperature in accordance to which the microcontroller actuates plurality of Peltier units arranged in the member for maintaining an ambient temperature thereby enhancing the user’s comfort, an accelerometer coupled with a gyroscope sensor is embedded in the frame for tracking the user’s movements and riding style based on which the microcontroller directs the speaker to notify the user to improve riding efficiency and posture, plurality of pressure sensors are embedded in the cushioned members for detecting weight distribution of the user based on which the microcontroller regulates actuation of the rods for adjusting seat height to allow the user to maintain a proper posture for optimal comfort, a sun sensor embedded in the frame for detecting sunlight directions in accordance to which the microcontroller actuates a motorized ball and socket joint integrated in between the frame and a solar panel attached with frame for adjusting the panel’s position to absorb maximum sunlight optimizing expose to sunlight and the solar panel provides efficient recharging of a battery configured with the device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with the device.

[0017] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a health monitoring-enabled seating assistive device for bicycles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0020] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0021] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0022] The present invention relates to a health monitoring-enabled seating assistive device for bicycles that is capable of providing user with comfortable softened seating saddle while monitoring the health of the user during bicycle riding. Also, the device is capable of optimizing exposure of sunlight to the solar panel by detecting the sunlight direction, thus provides power to the device.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a health monitoring-enabled seating assistive device for bicycles is illustrated, comprising a frame 101 attached with a motorized clamp 102 positioned on a saddle tube of a bicycle, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 integrated in the frame 101, a hydraulically operated rod 104 arranged in between the clamp 102 and frame 101, a pair of curved plates 105 configured with a cushioned member 106 arranged on the frame 101, an electromagnetic spring 107 is integrated in between each the members 106 and plates 105, a sliding unit 108 installed in between the spring 107 and plate 105, a speaker 109 installed on the frame 101, a solar panel 110 attached with the frame 101 and a motorized ball and socket joint 111 integrated in between the frame 101 and the solar panel 110.

[0024] The device disclosed herein comprises of a frame 101 attached with a motorized clamp 102 that is positioned on a saddle tube of a bicycle. The frame 101 is casted from the material like leather, fabric, rubber and plastic. The frame 101 is strong enough to handle the weight of user and the components attached to the frame 101. The motorized clamp 102 uses a motor to drive a mechanism that moves jaws to secure the tube by driving the gears causing the jaws to move close and grab the tube.

[0025] The dimensions of the saddle tube are determined by an ultrasonic sensor embedded in the clamp 102, the ultrasonic sensor works by generating ultrasonic waves, the transmitter transmits the waves to hit the tube’s surface. After hitting the surface, the waves are diffracted back. The diffracted waves are received by a receiver within the sensor. The pattern of the received waves are converted into an electrical signal. The electrical signal is processed by the microcontroller linked with the ultrasonic sensor and determines the dimensions of the tube. According to the determined dimensions of the tube, the microcontroller actuates the clamp 102 to actuate the motor that powers the gears that closes the jaws around the tube to grab the tube for securing the frame 101 on the bicycle firmly.

[0026] The presence of the user in proximity to the bicycle is detected by a proximity sensor embedded in the frame 101, the proximity sensor emits a signal (such as infrared light or electromagnetic waves) and measuring the reflection or disturbance caused by the user within its detection range. When the signal interacts with the user, changes in its characteristics are detected and used to determine the presence or absence of the user. The user access the bicycle which is in proximity of the user.

[0027] The height of the user is determined by an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 103 by capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the frame 101. The imaging unit 103 includes camera which is capable of capturing detailed image of the surface and features of the image are extracted. The imaging unit 103 works as the light passes from the lens of camera and then strikes the sensor, sensor converts the light energy into an electrical energy then the electrical signals are passed to the image processor. The processor paired with the imaging unit 103 extract the information from the image and that data is stored in the inbuilt memory. Thus, the height of the user is determined.

[0028] According to the determined height, the microcontroller actuates a hydraulically operated rod 104 arranged in between the clamp 102 and frame 101 to extend/retract for maintaining optimum height of the frame 101. The hydraulically operated rod 104 works by utilizing the principles of fluid mechanics to create motion. In this system, hydraulic fluid is pumped into a cylinder, creating pressure. This pressure forces a piston or rod to move within the cylinder. The movement of the rod can be linear or rotational, depending on the requirements. The force generated by the hydraulic fluid can be precisely controlled, allowing for powerful and smooth operation of device. The rod extend and retracts according to the determined height of the user, for regulating the height of the frame 101.

[0029] The user get accommodated on a pair of curved plates 105 configured with a cushioned member 106 arranged on the frame 101. The cushioned member 106 provides comfortable and supportive experience to the user while eliminating the muscle strains. The user get accommodated on the bicycle allowing user to ride the bicycle in effective manner. During riding the bicycle, the shocks due to the uneven ground surface lead to the accidents and injuries to the user. Therefore, an electromagnetic spring 107 is integrated in between each the members 106 and plates 105 to absorb any shocks experienced by the frame 101. The electromagnetic spring 107 typically consists of a coil of wire wrapped on a magnet making a solenoid and a magnet, when an electric current passes through the coil, it generates a magnetic field. The generated magnetic field interact with the magnet causing a force of attraction and repulsion. Therefore, these repulsive and attractive forces absorbs the shocks during riding the bicycle, thus prevents any fatigue to the user.

[0030] During the ride, as per the movement of user’s leg, a sliding unit 108 installed in between the spring 107 and plate 105 is actuated by the microcontroller to translate the plates 105 to pivot up and down. The sliding unit 108 helps to for distributing the pressure evenly across the user’s hip bones for enhanced comfort. The health issues and fatigue of the user is detected by an FBG (Fiber Bragg Grating) sensor embedded in the member 106. The FBG sensor detects the strain and deformation, as the rider exerts the force and pressure while seating on the plates 105 having cushioned member 106. The patterns and changes in the measurements indicates sign of fatigue or overexertion and health issues. Therefore, the health issue and fatigue of the user is detected.

[0031] According to the detected health issue and fatigue, the microcontroller actuates speaker 109 installed on the frame 101 for producing audio signals to provide health recommendations to the user. The speaker 109 converts the electrical signal into sound waves. The electrical signal enters the voice coil which is wrapped around the inner magnet, when the force is exerted from the stable magnet the amplitude and frequency of signal change, the voice coil moves back and forth generating vibrations along the axis and the air around it is pressurized, these pressurized air molecules propagate as sound waves.

[0032] The speaker 109 notifies to the user to take breaks and rests, Along with the speaker 109 notification, the microcontroller directs the rod 104 to adjust the height of the seat in real time based on the detected fatigue of rider. Therefore, the experience of the user enhances and enables the user to ride the bicycle for long duration while taking rests in between. The surrounding’s temperature is detected by a temperature sensor embedded in the frame 101. The temperature sensor work by detecting changes in temperature as the electrical resistance of the frame 101 changes and converting these changes into an electrical signal that can be interpreted by the microcontroller.

[0033] According to the detected temperature, the microcontroller actuates the Peltier units arranged in the member 106 for maintaining an ambient temperature. The Peltier units provide cooling and heating effects by transferring heat between two sides of semiconductor device, when electric current passes through the unit, one side absorbs heat that gives cooling effect while other side releases heat that gives heating effect. Therefore, enhances the user’s comfort and prevents from head strokes.

[0034] During riding the bicycle, the movement and riding style of the user is tracked by an accelerometer coupled with a gyroscope sensor embedded in the frame 101. The accelerometer measures linear acceleration along three axes and detects changes in velocity and the bicycle’s orientation relative to gravity, helping in determining the bicycle’s tilt. The gyroscope measures rotational rates around three axes, tracks the angular velocity and rotational movements such as turning or leaning. Hence, the data collectively tracks the user’s movements and riding style. In case, the user’s posture and movement found to be inefficient, the microcontroller directs the speaker 109 to notify the user to improve riding efficiency and posture.

[0035] The weight distribution of the user is detected by plurality of pressure sensors embedded in the cushioned members 106. The pressure sensor used here is a load cell that works as the pressure is applied to the member 106, this force is transmitted directly onto the load cell which comprises of strain gauges that are small electrical devices bonded to a metal body of the load cell. The metal body deforms slightly under applied pressure and it stretches or compresses the strain gauges. This deformation changes the electrical resistance of the gauges which alters the voltage output of the strain gauge connection. The load cell converts this voltage change into a force measurement which is then translated into a readable force measurement, which indicates the pressure applied by the user on the member 106. Based on the weight distribution of user on the member 106, the microcontroller regulates actuation of the rod 104 for adjusting the height of the seat allowing the user to maintain a proper posture for optimal comfort.

[0036] A solar panel 110 is attached with the frame 101 to recharge to a battery configured with the device. The direction of sunlight is detected by a sun sensor embedded in the frame 101. A sun sensor detects the direction of sunlight using an array of photodetectors that measure light intensity. By comparing the amount of light each detector receives, the sensor determines the sun's position. This information can then be used to adjust solar panel 110 to align with the sun for optimal performance.

[0037] According to the direction of sunlight, the microcontroller actuates a motorized ball and socket joint 111 integrated between the frame 101 and the solar panel 110. The ball and socket joint 111 is a movable joint where one body is hooked into the hollow space of another body. Multiple gears are assembled inside the ball and socket joint 111 which allows the rotation in any direction. The gears facilitates the movement of the ball within the socket and allowing the rotational motion. The joint allows movement in all directions that is 360 degree rotation is possible. The ball and socket joint 111 is commanded by the microcontroller to regulate angle of the solar panel 110. The solar panel’s 110 position is adjusted to absorb maximum sunlight, thereby optimizing expose to sunlight.

[0038] The adjusted solar panel 110 absorbs the sunlight, which further used by the battery. The solar panel 110 provides efficient recharging of the battery configured with the device, which provides a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with the device. A battery charged by a solar panel 110 stores the electrical energy generated from sunlight. It retains this energy for later use and provides power to other components when the solar panel 110 is not actively generating electricity, such as during the night or on cloudy days.

[0039] The proposed device works best in following manner, where the frame 101 attached with a motorized clamp 102 positioned on the saddle tube of the bicycle. According to the determined dimensions of the saddle tube, the clamp 102 grabs the tube to secure frame 101 on the bicycle. The presence of the user is detected by the proximity sensor, so that the user get access to the bicycle. The height of the user is determined by the artificial intelligence based imaging unit 103, based on which the microcontroller actuates the hydraulically operated rod 104 to get extend/retract for maintaining an optimum height of the frame 101. The pair of curved plates 105 configured with cushioned member 106 enables user to get accommodated allowing the user to ride the bicycle. The shocks experienced by the user during riding the bicycle are absorbed by the electromagnetic springs 107 arranged between each member 106 and plate 105, thus prevents any fatigue to the user. As per the leg’s movement of the user, the sliding unit 108 translates the plates 105 that pivot up the plate 105 and pivot down the plate 105 for distributing pressure evenly across the user’s hip bones enhancing the comfort. The health issues and fatigue of user is detected by the FBG sensor, based on which the microcontroller actuates the speaker 109 to provide health recommendation to the user and take rest and breaks. For the break and resting of the user, the microcontroller actuates the rod 104 to adjust the seat height providing enhanced experience to the user. The temperature of the surroundings is detected by the temperature sensor, according to which the Peltier units arranged in the member 106 maintains ambient temperature to enhance user’s comfort. The tracking of the user’s movement and riding style and posture is detected by the accelerometer coupled with the gyroscope sensor, based on this the microcontroller actuates the speaker 109 to notify user for improving the riding efficiency. The sunlight direction is detected by the sun sensor, according to which the solar panel 110 is adjusted by the ball and socket joint 111, the solar panel 110 provides efficient recharging to the battery providing continuous power supply.

[0040] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A health monitoring-enabled seating assistive device for bicycles, comprising:

i) a frame 101 attached with a motorized clamp 102 to be positioned on a saddle tube of a bicycle, wherein an ultrasonic sensor is embedded in said clamp 102 for determining dimensions of said saddle tube;

ii) a microcontroller linked with said ultrasonic sensor processes said dimensions, for actuating said clamp 102 to grab said tube, to secure said frame 101 on said bicycle firmly, wherein a proximity sensor embedded in said frame 101 for detecting presence of a user in proximity to said bicycle, accessing said bicycle;

iii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 integrated in said frame 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said frame 101, respectively to determine height of said user, based on which said microcontroller actuates a hydraulically operated rod 104 arranged in between said clamp 102 and frame 101, to extend/retract for maintaining an optimum height of said frame 101;

iv) a pair of curved plates 105 configured with a cushioned member 106, arranged on said frame 101 for enabling said user to get accommodated on said cushioned members 106, in view of allowing said user to ride said bicycle, wherein an electromagnetic spring 107 is integrated in between each said members 106 and plates 105 for absorbing any shocks experienced by said frame 101, thus preventing any fatigue to said user; and

v) a sliding unit 108 installed in between said spring 107 and plate 105 that translates said plates 105, pivot up and down as per said user’s leg movements, for distributing pressure evenly across said user’s hip bones for enhanced comfort while riding said bicycle, wherein an FBG (Fiber Bragg Grating) sensor is embedded in said member 106 for detecting health issues and rider fatigue, based on which said microcontroller actuates a speaker 109 installed on said frame 101 for producing audio signals to provide health recommendations to said user, regarding rest breaks, along with said microcontroller directs said rod 104 to adjusts seat height in real-time based on detected rider fatigue, thereby providing enhanced experience to said user.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a temperature sensor embedded in said frame 101 for detecting surroundings’ temperature, in accordance to which said microcontroller actuates plurality of Peltier units arranged in said member 106 for maintaining an ambient temperature, thereby enhancing said user’s comfort.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an accelerometer coupled with a gyroscope sensor is embedded in said frame 101 for tracking said user’s movements and riding style, based on which said microcontroller directs said speaker 109, to notify said user to improve riding efficiency and posture.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein plurality of pressure sensors are embedded in said cushioned members 106 for detecting weight distribution of said user, based on which sad microcontroller regulates actuation of said rod 104 for adjusting seat height to allow said user to maintain a proper posture for optimal comfort.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a sun sensor embedded in said frame 101 for detecting sunlight directions, in accordance to which said microcontroller actuates a motorized ball and socket joint 111 integrated in between said frame 101 and a solar panel 110 for adjusting said panel’s 110 positon to absorb maximum sunlight, thereby optimizing expose to sunlight.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said solar panel 110 provides efficient recharging of a battery configured with said device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with said device.